Portugal offers two golden visa routes, which can be most affordable package for investors, if they know where to invest. Quite often many get confused with the two options. The most important difference between the two routes is Cultural route is ‘donation’ non-refundable investment, whereas Artistic production is a ‘refundable’ investment that can also produce returns.
The Portuguese government requires a minimum 200,000 euros (20% discount from 250,000) for both cultural and artistic routes, to be eligible under ARI golden visa conditions. It is the only route where reduced investment possible in low density regions. Previous real estate route was eligible for discount, but since Oct 7, 2023, the property route has been terminated for golden visas. Note that Artistic production may be interesting for GV investors, since invested capital a recoverable investment.
Legal Background
Article 3. of Foreigners Law (Law No. 23/2007, of July 4th) permits that carry out tasks in the area of artistic production, recovery or maintenance of the national cultural heritage to receive a residence permit for Investment activity (ARI).
The Order No. 2360/2017, of March 20, approves the regulation regarding the issuance of the declaration attesting the effective transfer of capital for the purposes of residence permit for investment in the cultural sector, and establishes the rules applicable to the issuance of that declaration.
1.Cultural Heritage
This route is involves non-refundable, donation to cultural heritage projects in Portugal. For example to Museum, archeology, monuments, refurbishment of national heritage sites and monuments.
The minimum investment required is
– €250,000 euro (in major cities) and
– €200,000 (in low density regions NUTS III).
The investment is reduced 20% in Low density regions, eligible for Golden Visa.
The GEPAC (Gabinete de Estratégia, Planeamento e Avaliação Culturais) is the competent authority to provide certificate for this kind of investment in cultural sector. and the government will file GV application with the immigration authority on your behalf by a legal representative.
A foreign citizen who carries out an investment activity, personally or through a company incorporated in Portugal or another European Union State and with a permanent establishment in Portugal, may apply for a residence permit for investment purposes, provided they meet the quantitative and time requirements stipulated in the applicable legislation.
The right of residence through investment in the cultural sector implies the transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than 250,000 euros, which is applied to investment in or support of artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage, through services of the central and peripheral direct administration, such as public institutes, entities that are part of the public business sector, public foundations, private foundations with public utility status, intermunicipal entities, entities that are part of the local business sector, municipal associative entities and public cultural associations, which pursue attributions in the area of artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage as provided for in “paragraph d) and no. 2 of article 3 of the Foreigners Law” ( Law no. 23/2007, of July 4 ).
2. Artistic Production
Foreigners can make an investment in artistic projects in Portugal. For example, art, music, dance, paintings, cinema, theatre, film production. Under this route, minimum €250,000 euro required (refundable investment) or €200,000 in Low density regions. (reduced 20%) are eligible for Golden visa.
The Direção Geral das Artes (DGArtes) is an organization of the Ministry of Culture of Portugal is responsible for approving investment applications for artistic projects. Filing the application for Golden visa must be done by legal representative.
DG Artes
The Direção Geral das Artes (DGArtes) is an organization of the Ministry of Culture of Portugal is responsible for approving investment applications for artistic projects. Filing the application for Golden visa must be done by legal representative.
Currently, there is no pre-approved list of projects maintained for ARI residence permit, investors must propose projects that meet the criteria.
DGARTES so far has financed 128 music and opera projects in the areas of creation, editing and programming until end of 2026.
- Creative field, the financed activities include the design, execution and public presentation of works; artistic residencies and interpretation (in the area of music).
- Programming, supported activities include festivals, receptions, co-productions and artistic residencies.
- Publishing, support is provided for the publication of works in physical or digital format for the purpose of their dissemination.
Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of both cultural and artistic production routes:
| Golden Visa | Cultural Heritage | Artistic Production |
| Investment | Non-refundable (Donation) | Refundable (Investment) |
| Minimum | 250,000€ | 250,000€ |
| Low density Areas (Nuts III) | 200,000€ | 200,000€ |
| Term | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ministry Approval | yes | yes |
| ROI | no | yes |
| Application Submission | Government | Legal representative |
| Minimum Stay | 7 days per year | 7 days per year |
| Citizenship | After 5 years | After 5 years |
The residence permit is granted for two years and subsequent renewed permits will be issued for three years provided the investor visits Portugal for seven days annually.
Processing Times
The Processing time for this type of golden visas can take unto six to ten months normally. With more applications pending under real estate, one can expect time frame of 6-15 months.
Both investment routes, it is possible to pursue activities of artistic output, and restoring or maintenance of the national cultural heritage through the following organisations in Portugal.
- local and central authorities,
- public institutions,
- public corporate sector,
- public foundations,
- private foundations of public interest,
- networked local authorities,
- local corporate sector organizations,
- local associations and
- public cultural associations
